Providing information, education, and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion (IPSII) for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Customer Research

Minnesota Special Education Experience Study 2014

In followup to the K-12 Education Study for Students with Developmental Disabilities that MarketResponse International conducted in 2013, and based on the insights gained from that study, the Minnesota Special Education Experience Study was conducted in 2014. This study was done in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Education, Special Education Division. The purpose of this recent study was to obtain benchmark measures of overall quality and satisfaction levels of the special education experience from the perspective of parents and the students themselves. The results show satisfaction levels by grade level and geographic location, quality drivers of the education experience, and awareness of and attitudes about Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

*PDF version contains accessible text that can be accessed through the "Read Aloud" feature in Adobe Reader

K-12 Education Study for Students with Developmental Disabilities 2013

In 2012, MarketResponse International conducted a general population survey of Minnesota households to track changes in attitudes about people with developmental disabilities over the past 50 years. A parallel survey was also done with households with a family member with developmental disabilities. Both surveys also contained questions about quality of life issues, including the future outlook of education services.

Based on findings, the surveys showed a significantly more negative outlook about education services among households with a son or daughter with developmental disabilities. As a result, education was not only selected for this year's study but a relatively new approach and methodologies, referred to as Narrative Research, were used. Rather than framing a study around a preconceived idea and testing it out, narrative methods rely solely on the stories shared by participants and their personal experiences around a specific topic.

This study explains Narrative Research and what was learned about education services in Minnesota from students with developmental disabilities, parents, teachers, school administrators, and case managers.

Perceptions, awareness, beliefs, and attitudes about people with developmental disabilities have changed substantially in the past 50 years. MarketResponse International has just completed a survey of the general population in Minnesota that shows these marked shifts. (April 2013)

Survey of Individuals for Five-Year State Plan

The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is in the process of developing a new Five-year State Plan for FFYs 2012-2016. A survey of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families was recently conducted to identify important issues to be addressed, and how and where services and delivery systems can make improvements over the next five years. The survey also measured levels of independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion among people with developmental disabilities as was done in 2005 and based on the Quality of Life survey that was first conducted in 2000. (December 2010)

MarketResponse International also prepared a meta analysis of the customer research studies that have been conducted over the past ten years, studies among people with developmental disabilities and families, businesses, and the general population in Minnesota, and provided recommendations for future research. (October 2010)

Awareness, Attitudes and Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act Among Minnesota Businesses

MarketResponse International has conducted a survey of 500 Minnesota businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, grocery stores, and vehicle dealerships; and interviewed architects and engineers, and commercial building contractors, to determine their awareness about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the impact of the ADA on design and building projects, enforcement of accessibility provisions, and accommodations made and accommodations anticipated to meet accessibility requirements and improve access for people with disabilities. Survey results are available in several formats. (April 2010)

Information Technology Insights Focus Groups

In May 2008, six focus groups were conducted by Bill Harreld, Quality Culture Institute, to learn how youth with and without disabilities are accessing and using technology, and their perspectives on the future of technology based on predictions that Bill Gates made in 2007. A total of 88 young adults participated in the focus groups. (July 2008) More...

1962-2007 Public Opinion Poll Results

In 1962, the Minnesota Department of Public Welfare contracted with Social Issues Research, Inc. to conduct 900 face to face interviews with a sample of Minnesotans that was in close approximation to the 1960 Census.

The purpose of the study was to "determine what salience does the problem of mental retardation have for the people of Minnesota?" The Arc of Minnesota was a major partner in this effort. The results were intended to be used to design a community education program to alter misconceptions about people with mental retardation.

The Council then contracted with MarketResponse International to conduct a similar study – 800 phone interviews were made with a sample of Minnesotans that was in close approximation to the 2005 Census. The purpose of the study was to measure attitudinal changes of the general population in Minnesota during the past 45 years.

The Arc of Minnesota, The Autism Society of Minnesota, Self Advocates of Minnesota, The State Council on Disability, and United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota are major partners in this effort.

The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is in the process of developing a new Five-year State Plan. The direction of the Plan will reflect what people with developmental disabilities and their families, service providers and front line staff believe are the important issues to be addressed and where positive changes can be made in services and service delivery systems over the next five years. Two surveys were conducted to assist with this process – The Individual Survey (PDF)(Text version) was based on the Quality of Life survey conducted in 2000; and measured levels of independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion among people with developmental disabilities. The Provider Survey (PDF)(Text version) collected input from service providers on areas of emphasis and levels of satisfaction with those areas of emphasis.The surveys are supported by qualitative statements (PDF)(Text version), input and the personal quotes intended to supplement the quantitative results that are presented in the reports.

In addition to the input from the Individual and Provider surveys conducted by MarketResponse International, visits were scheduled in eight regions of the state to talk with people with developmental disabilities, families, advocates, program managers, and front line staff. The purpose of these meetings was to listen to the people who are receiving and providing services, to learn about the issues that are important to them, and to gather their ideas and suggestions on where and how services and supports could be improved. The notes taken during these meetings and interviews – the qualitative statements (PDF)(Text version) – were then organized into categories. This input and the personal quotes are intended to supplement the quantitative results that are presented in the report prepared by MarketResponse International. (January 2006)

Employer Survey (PDF)(text version) The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disability has completed a survey of 600 Minnesota employers across a broad range of organizations and businesses. The purpose of the survey was to identify and measure issues and perceptions that are barriers to increasing the employment of people with disabilities. (May 2005)

Minnesota Health Care Opinion Poll (PDF)(Text Version) The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Minnesota Board on Aging
commissioned MarketResponse International to gather opinions from Minnesotans regarding their current
feelings on many key issues related to health care. (January 2004)

Electronic Government Services Survey (PDF)(Text Version) The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities wants to support the advancement of Electronic Government Services (EGS), and increase the number of their primary customers who use EGS. From the government's viewpoint, EGS improves efficiency, accountability and responsiveness of government agencies while reducing costs. From the customer's viewpoint, EGS gives the citizen choice, convenience and control over relationships with government.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the current state of EGS, and develop an understanding of the needs, requirements, expectations and desires of customers related to EGS. (September 2005)

Consumer Directed Community Supports Survey (PDF)(Text Version) In April, 2002, MarketResponse International conducted a survey of the Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) program offered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Survey results indicate the program has been successful and appreciated by participants with a total of 93% giving CDCS a satisfaction rating of 5, 6, or 7 on a seven point scale. (April 2002)

Quality of Life Survey (PDF)(Text Version) The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities conducted a quality assessment in 2000, to determine how people with developmental disabilities evaluate the quality of services they receive from the array of service providers, and what obstacles they may face in their day to day living. (January 2001)

The GCDD is funded under the provisions of P.L. 106-402.The federal law also provides funding to theMinnesota Disability Law Center,the state Protection and Advocacy System,and to the Institute on Community Integration,the state University Center for Excellence.The Minnesota network of programs works to increase the IPSII of people with developmental disabilities and families into community life.